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Australia is known for its unique geographical features, with a large portion of the country being desert and semi-arid regions. This has made it challenging to populate certain areas, particularly the interior regions. As a result, most Australians live in towns and cities located within close proximity to the coastlines. The country has a significant immigrant population, with over 7 million residents born overseas, contributing to its diverse demographics.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Population living close to the coast | 80% |
| Indigenous population | 60% in New South Wales and Queensland |
| Population born overseas | 30% |
| Language spoken at homes | English (72%), Mandarin Chinese (2.7%), Arabic (1.4%), Vietnamese (1.3%), and Cantonese (1.2%) |
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What You'll Learn
Population density near the coast
Australia's population is concentrated near the coast, with over 80% of Australians living in towns with more than 1,000 residents located within 50 km of the coastline. This pattern is particularly notable among Indigenous Australians, with almost 60% residing in New South Wales and Queensland on the east coast, accounting for 2-5% of these states' populations. The appeal of coastal living is evident in the country's demographics, as people seek the benefits of mild climate, economic opportunities, and proximity to urban centres.
The coastal concentration is partly due to historical factors. Australia's early settlements were established along the coast, facilitating trade and transportation. Over time, these areas developed into thriving cities and towns, attracting people seeking employment and a higher quality of life. The coastal regions offer a milder climate compared to the harsh desert conditions of the interior, making them more attractive for settlement.
Additionally, the coastal areas provide diverse economic opportunities. Major cities like Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane, all located near the coast, serve as hubs for various industries, including finance, tourism, and technology. These cities offer a wide range of job prospects, drawing people from across the country and abroad. The presence of urban centres along the coast contributes to the population density in these regions.
The Australian coastline also boasts numerous natural attractions, including renowned surf beaches and scenic coastal landscapes. These natural assets contribute to the appeal of coastal living and drive the development of tourism and hospitality industries in these areas. The combination of economic prospects and a desirable lifestyle makes coastal regions highly sought-after for Australians and immigrants alike.
While the majority of Australians live near the coast, the country's vast interior regions remain sparsely populated. The remote Aboriginal communities in these areas often lead nomadic lifestyles due to the challenging desert environment. However, even within the interior, there are remote towns and communities that contribute to the overall population distribution of Australia.
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Indigenous population concentration
The Indigenous population of Australia refers to Aboriginal Australians and Torres Strait Islanders. In 2021, there were 983,700 Indigenous Australians, comprising 3.8% of the country's total population. This figure represents an increase from the 2016 and 2011 censuses, which recorded 2.5% and 3% of the population as Indigenous Australians, respectively.
Indigenous Australians are more likely to live in remote and very remote areas of the country. In 2021, 15.4% of the Indigenous population lived in Remote (6%) and Very Remote (9.4%) Australia. However, contrary to stereotypes, the majority of Indigenous people live in Australia's eastern states, particularly along the coast. Almost 60% of Indigenous Australians live in New South Wales and Queensland, which represent 2-5% of these states' populations. The Northern Territory has the highest proportion of Indigenous people relative to its total population, at 30.8%. The Indigenous population in the Northern Territory stands at 26.3%, with 61,115 people.
The Indigenous population of Australia has a younger age structure than the non-Indigenous population, with larger proportions of young people and smaller proportions of older people. The median age of the Indigenous population is 24 years, with one-third (33.1%) under 15 years of age. This younger demographic composition reflects higher birth rates and lower life expectancy in the Indigenous population compared to their non-Indigenous counterparts.
While English is the predominant language spoken in Australian homes, some Indigenous languages have persisted. At the 2006 census, 52,000 Indigenous Australians reported speaking an Indigenous language at home, accounting for 12% of the Indigenous population. It is estimated that there were over 250 Indigenous languages at the time of first European contact, with only about 110 languages currently spoken exclusively by older people. The preservation and transmission of Indigenous languages are important aspects of cultural maintenance for Indigenous communities.
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Language diversity
Australia is known for its linguistic diversity, with over 400 languages spoken across the country. While English is the dominant language, with 72% of the population speaking only English at home, many people also speak a language other than English within their families and communities. This diversity is a result of Australia's rich history of Indigenous languages and its more recent waves of immigration.
At the time of European colonisation, it is estimated that there were around 250 Indigenous languages and over 500 dialects spoken by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. Many Indigenous people were multilingual, often speaking at least four languages. Since colonisation, many of these languages have been lost, with only around 160-170 Indigenous languages, including creoles, still spoken today. However, efforts are being made to revive some of these languages, with the National Indigenous Languages Survey (NILS) finding that more than 120 Indigenous language varieties were in use or being revived.
The most common Indigenous languages today include Yumplatok (Torres Strait Creole), Kriol, Djambarrpuyngu, Pitjantjatjara, Warlpiri, Murrinh Patha, and Tiwi. These languages are primarily spoken in remote communities, particularly in the Northern Territory, which is home to nearly half of Australia's Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander language speakers. Other Indigenous languages have also evolved, such as the various dialects of Aboriginal English spoken across Australia.
In addition to its Indigenous languages, Australia has seen a significant increase in community languages due to immigration. Australia has the world's eighth-largest immigrant population, with immigrants accounting for 30% of the total population. Asia is the largest source of immigrants in the 21st century, and the most common community languages spoken at home include Mandarin, Arabic, Vietnamese, Cantonese, Punjabi, Greek, Italian, and Hindi.
Overall, Australia's language diversity is a valuable aspect of its culture, fostering international ties and cultural exchange. The country's diverse linguistic landscape is a result of both its historical Indigenous languages and its more recent waves of immigration, contributing to a vibrant and dynamic society.
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Immigration trends
Australia has the world's eighth-largest immigrant population, with immigrants accounting for 30% of the total population—a higher proportion than any other nation with a population of over 10 million. In 2019, 7,529,570 Australian residents, or 30% of the population, were born overseas. Asia is the largest source of immigrants in the 21st century. Australia's population has quadrupled since the end of World War I, and much of this increase is due to immigration.
Historically, more people migrate to Australia than migrate away each year, making overseas migration a significant source of population gain. This trend temporarily reversed during the COVID-19 pandemic, when border closures and other impacts prevented potential migrants from entering the country. Australian borders reopened to most travellers on 21 February 2022, leading to a period of record net overseas migration as people took advantage of the lifted restrictions.
In the five years preceding the pandemic, the average number of migrant arrivals was 515,000 per year, with the majority arriving on temporary visas (307,000). For permanent visa holders, the average was 92,000. In 2023-24, temporary visa holder arrivals decreased to 465,000, while permanent visa holder arrivals increased slightly to 91,000. International students were the largest group of temporary visa holders, with 207,000 arrivals, though this was a decrease from 278,000 in 2022-23. Other temporary visa holders included visitors (90,000), working holidaymakers (80,000), and temporary skilled workers (49,000).
In 2023-24, the top five countries of birth for migrant arrivals were India, China, the Philippines, Australia, and the United Kingdom. Migrant arrivals decreased from India, China, the Philippines, and the United Kingdom compared to 2022-23, but increased from Australia and the United Kingdom. Arrivals from these five countries, except for the Philippines, were higher than pre-pandemic levels in 2018-19.
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Population growth
Australia's population has quadrupled since the end of World War I, with much of this increase attributed to immigration. In 2019, 30% of the population, or 7,529,570 people, were born overseas. Australia has the world's eighth-largest immigrant population, with immigrants accounting for 30% of the population—a higher proportion than in any other nation with a population of over 10 million.
Most Australians live close to coastlines, with over 80% living in towns of more than 1000 residents within 50km of the coast. The country contains five cities (including their suburbs) with populations of over one million people. The east coast is home to almost 60% of Indigenous Australians, with New South Wales and Queensland representing 2–5% of the state's populations. The Northern Territory has an Indigenous population of 61,115, which is 26.3% of the territory's population.
Australia's geographical interior is semi-arid and desert-like, making it difficult to populate. The country also faces challenges with water and soil, limiting human habitation and activities. Additionally, Australia is a relatively hard and expensive place to reach, especially when compared to other countries.
Despite these factors, Australia has seen significant population growth, driven primarily by immigration. Net overseas migration reached a record level of 536,000 in 2022–23, with Asia as the largest source of immigrants in the 21st century.
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Frequently asked questions
Most Australians live close to coastlines. Specifically, almost 60% of Indigenous Australians live in New South Wales and Queensland, which make up the east coast of Australia.
Australia's geographical interior is semi-arid/desert and so difficult to populate.
Australia's population has quadrupled since the end of World War I, with the country now home to over 25 million people.
